Fears for distressed young woman seen getting into a van in Cleckheaton

Fears have been raised for the safety of a young woman seen in a distressed state with no shoes on in Cleckheaton this morning (Friday).

Police are trying to track down the woman, thought to be called Bethany, who reportedly had scratches on her legs and was wrapped in a sheet.

She was visibly upset when seen on Bradford Road, near the Chain Bar roundabout, at about 7am, before getting a lift to Cleckheaton Golf club, where she got into a van.

West Yorkshire Police said in a statement: “Police are appealing for a woman to come forward following concerns being reported for her welfare after she was seen looking reportedly distressed and dishevelled in Cleckheaton this morning.

“A couple of members of the public stopped to check on the woman’s welfare with one taking the woman to Cleckheaton Golf Club where she was picked up by a man in a white van.”

The woman was in her late teens or early 20s and was wearing a T-shirt and black shorts or skirt with an old curtain or tarpaulin-type sheet wrapped around her, police said.

She was not wearing any shoes and had blood on her feet and scratches to her legs.

The police statement said: “It is believed she may be called Bethany.

“The incident has since been reported to the police and officers would urge this woman or the man who picked her up to come forwards so that they can confirm that she is safe and well.

“Anyone with information is asked to call Kirklees District CID via 101.